Isolation, suicide hotline offered for C.O. seniors

A national crisis line for older adults, called the Friendship Line, will become more available in the Central Oregon area.

The hotline has existed for 45 years, but the Central Oregon Health Council partnered with its founder, Dr. Patrick Arbore, to bring increased services to this area.

It is a 24-hour call line, available 365 days a year. The council has made an agreement with the nonprofit to serve Central Oregon with outreach calls to isolated or depressed adults.

Anyone who is over 60 years old or is a physically disabled adult can use the line at any time.

The program was founded in 1973 as a resource for older adults who are struggling with loneliness, anxiety or thoughts of suicide.

“Older people have one of the highest rates of suicide of other populations, and we really wanted to drill down to see what is that about, what is the factor that promotes people to think about suicide,” Arbore said Monday. “One of several, but one we can really address is loneliness (and) isolation. What older people often say is, ‘I cannot believe this is happening to me.'”

Local health care providers will now be able to offer the Friendship Line directly to older patients who are struggling with isolation or depression.

This nonprofit is not the only organization trying to provide services for older adults.

The Bend Senior Center, which will be revamped soon to include the Larkspur Community Center, offers group programs for senior citizens.

The Bend Park and Recreation District’s recreation services director, Sue Glenn, said it’s a hub for older generations in Central Oregon.

“Isolationism among seniors is a concern, and there are lots of ways that people are trying to address that,” Glenn said. “One is connecting people and finding places they feel comfortable coming together and building on the programming we have.

“Larkspur Community Center and the home of the Bend Senior Center are going to be connected by a little cafe area, which is really going to encourage people to come and enjoy a program and maybe sit down and have a cup of tea or a cup of coffee afterward.”

Glenn said future programs will focus on bringing people together to connect and better understand they’re not alone.

New Census Bureau numbers show that the median age in Deschutes County is about 42 years old. There are over 36,000 people in the county who are 65 or older.

According to Arbore, the 85-plus population is the fastest-growing age group in the country. Increased age brings chronic health issues, loss of friends and family, and the need for more assistance.

“We are a very youth-obsessed culture and ageism, like sexism and racism and homophobia, exists,” Arbore said. “What we tend to do is ignore the needs of older adults, and that is a problem, particularly if older people, just because of getting older, experience some of these health-related conditions.”

Older adults and senior citizens often become invisible to the rest of the community. According to the Central Oregon Health Council’s executive director, Donna Mills, it’s a serious issue in Central Oregon.

“(…) It used to be we would die early on,” Mills said. “I mean, mid-70s was considered old. And now to Dr. Arbore’s point, a 100-plus is not that unusual. I think there is also discrimination for the older adult and that there isn’t a recognition of the wisdom and skill sets that they bring.”

The number is 800-971-0016, and more information can be found at this website: https://www.ioaging.org/services/all-inclusive-health-care/friendship-line